China-based Staff
Beijing Staff / Shanghai Staff / Xi'an Staff
Students, parents, faculty, and advisors can rely on the Alliance for Global Education to provide insightful guidance and thorough support services throughout their experience. Before departure, students may contact their Senior Program Manager with any questions or concerns. Once students arrive overseas, the Alliance's on-site Resident Directors and Program Assistants lead orientation programs and are be available to students at all times for academic and personal support and practical advice. They work to enhance students' experience through planned cultural activities, lectures, field study trips, and social events.
Beijing Staff
Han Bing
Director for China Programs
Han Bing is a native of Beijing, who has worked in study abroad and Chinese language teaching since 1997. He has many years of experience as a program director as well as a Chinese language instructor in China and the United States. In recent years he has taught Chinese language, culture, film studies, and Chinese business culture in China and in the US at both Vassar College and Williams College. He has also led numerous student trips throughout China, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Northwestern China, Silk Road, Northeastern China, Eastern China, Guangdong, and Tibet. Han Bing earned a BA in Electrical Engineering in 1996, a BA in International Trade in 1997, and an MA in Microwave Communications Technology in 2000. As Director for China Programs, Han Bing oversees the Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an programs. In addition to travelling to the Alliance program sites, Han Bing works with staff to ensure the highest standards of program quality.
Katharine (Kitty) Poundstone
Interim Resident Director, Beijing Program
Kitty, a native of Kentucky, has lived and worked in China for many years, beginning with her own study abroad experience in Beijing in 1992-93. After graduating from Reed College, she spent a year in China as a Thomas J. Watson fellow and then completed her M.H.S. at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In 2000 Kitty returned to China, where she has worked on various public health projects with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the World Health Organization, and the Chinese government. She also received a fellowship from the Blakemore Foundation to study advanced Mandarin Chinese at Tsinghua University in 2008-09. Kitty is passionate about the study abroad experience and all of the opportunities – personal and professional – that it can create for students. She is committed to ensuring that Alliance students have a full and rich experience during their time in Beijing.
Jiao Xiaohang
Program Assistant, Beijing Program
Jiao Xiaohang assists the Program Director in all aspects of student services at the Beijing program. She holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Qingdao University and received her Master’s in Literature of Film and Television from Nanjing Normal University. Her varied academic background has not only provided her with a sound base in Chinese literature and linguistics and rich Chinese teaching experience, but has also enriched her skills in social activities and cross-cultural media. Xiaohang's previous professional experience with American exchange programs has strengthened her cross-cultural communication abilities and operational skills.
Shanghai Staff
Xu Li
Language Director, Shanghai Programs
A Beijing native, Xu Li joins the Alliance following several years of experience as a Chinese lecturer with Princeton University, Princeton in Beijing intensive language program (PiB), and Middlebury College Summer School. While earning her BA in Chinese Language and Literature and MA in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Beijing Normal University, she received a variety of honors and awards for her scholarship. She initially served as Beijing Language Director before moving to her permanent position as Shanghai Language Director in fall 2011. Xu Li is responsible for clearly defining and maintaining superior language instruction by supervising and training Alliance language teachers and working closely with the students.
Wang Kai
Resident Director, International Business Program
Wang Kai brings to the Alliance an academic background in communication studies focusing on intercultural communication, coupled with hands-on experience working in the field of study abroad, higher education, and professional training. He has taught and advised U.S. undergraduates at the University of Kansas, and has taught English to undergraduates in China. Kai received his PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas and an MA in Communication from Pittsburg State University. His personal interests range from playing Go and watching sports, to traveling in the U.S. as well as in China. He serves as a resource to our students in the SUFE International Business Program, organizes activities and trips, and helps them deepen their understanding of China.
Zhang Juan
Program Assistant, International Business Program
Zhang Juan brings to the Alliance a wealth of experience interacting in both eastern and western cultures inside the classroom and out. She most recently received her Master’s in Linguistics and Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from East China Normal University in Shanghai and holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature. Past work experience with various university exchange programs and volunteering during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo speak to her strong operations, communication, and project management skills that make her well suited to support SUFE program staff and students. Moreover, her language learning and teaching experience couple with familiarity with Shanghai make Juan an excellent guide for students navigating the city’s international opportunities.
Felix Giron
Resident Director, Intensive Language and Contemporary Society Programs
Originally from Texas, Felix has studied, worked, taught, and conducted research throughout China for more than seven years. She holds a BA in Religious Studies and Theater Studies from Yale University and an MA in Anthropology from Cornell University. Upon receiving her PhD in Anthropology from Cornell University in 2008, Felix continued to conduct field research on integrative teaching, the role of mobility in Chinese culture, and theories of space and place. Her former position as Assistant Director of the Humanities and General Education and Associate Professor at the Center for International Studies at Shantou University highlights her skills in liaising with Chinese faculty, advising Chinese students, and facilitating curriculum advancement. This background, coupled with her fluency in both Spanish and Mandarin, make her an excellent guide for Alliance students on Fudan programs.
Ding Zherui
Program Assistant, Intensive Language and Contemporary Society Programs
Ding Zherui (also known as Ella) graduated from East China Normal University, where she majored in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language. Ella supports all aspects of student services and is involved in program planning and coordination with Fudan University. A native of Shanghai, she is very familiar with the city and local culture and is great resource for exploring all this amazing city has to offer. In addition, Ella provides Chinese instruction for the International Business program at SUFE.
Xi'an Staff
Joseph Segar
Resident Director, Xi’an Program
As Resident Director in Xi’an, Joseph Segar draws from a wide range of experiences working with the Chinese language and Chinese citizens. Having earned his BA in East Asian Studies and MA in Anthropology, Joe is currently completing his PhD in Anthropology at Stanford University, focusing on urban social issues, grey economy, and youth culture in Chongqing, China. Outside of academia, he has spent over ten years in various roles as a lecturer, language instructor, interpreter, and travel guide in China and the US – and he even served as a television host on the internationally broadcast Chongqing Today Chinese language show! Joe initially joined the Alliance team as Assistant Resident Director in Beijing, and he is thrilled to now manage the Xi’an program and help students navigate globalization along the Silk Road.
Li Xiaohan
Program Assistant, Xi’an Program
Li Xiaohan joined the Alliance from Shaanxi Normal University (SNU) with a BA in Chinese Literature and MA in Applied Linguistics. In addition to her rich academic foundation, Xiaohan has significant experience teaching Chinese to exchange students of all levels of proficiency. Her background in coordinating programs and facilitating cross-cultural understanding make Xiaohan a valuable asset to the program. As a longtime Xi’an resident, she serves as an excellent guide for students navigating the city’s numerous opportunities. Moreover, a native of Xinjiang Province, Xiaohan offers key firsthand insights during the Silk Road trip.
